CITY players has cash stolen after thieves raided their dressing room during the FA Cup tie at Sheffield United.

They netted around £1,000 in cash after rifling through the possessions of players and backroom staff.

Police launched an investigation after Sven-Goran Eriksson's team reported their dressing area had been raided during yesterday's match.

Seven people are understood to have had money taken.

It is believed Sheffield officials had asked City if they wanted the dressing room locked during the game.

Most clubs agree, but City apparently said players and officials wanted access during the game. Terry Robinson, Sheffield's chief executive, said he was surprised that an intruder could have gained access to restricted areas of the ground.

He said: "It's all a bit of a mystery. As soon as we heard about the theft we identified the catering stewards and security staff who could have had access to the away dressing room, which is in a corridor. Every one of them was searched.

"That's what they wanted to happen because they didn't want to be blamed. The police stood by as our staff searched their colleagues and nothing was found. We don't know, therefore, what's happened and it's sad that this has soured a great day for Sheffield United."

Officers policing the match began the investigation. Police confirmed they would be interviewing club officials later today. A spokesman said it was believed that `several dozen' people would have had legitimate access to the area.

A City spokesman said: "A theft has taken place. Police are investigating."

No information was available about which players or officials had been targeted.

Nearly 21,000 fans attended the match, which City lost 2-1.

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